Chapter 6: My goal is the champion

"I am your coach, and I decide your role here," Andrew said firmly, staring directly at Woods.

Woods stiffened but, as a veteran player, stood his ground and replied, "It was Coach Thibodeau who invited me to play, and I only listen to him."

Thibodeau looked uncomfortable for a moment, clearly aware that Woods had put him on the spot.

Before Thibodeau could respond, Andrew calmly said, "You can leave."

Woods stared at Andrew, shocked by how decisively he'd spoken, not caring about Thibodeau's reaction.

"Do I need to have security escort you out?" Andrew said coldly when Woods didn't move.

Woods glanced at Thibodeau again, but seeing no intervention from him, he snorted and stormed out of the training hall.

The room fell silent. The players realized then that Andrew Tang was not someone to mess with.

"It seems the rest of you understand," Andrew continued.

"Yes, coach," Millsap responded.

"Yes, coach," the others echoed.

Andrew nodded, and his stern expression softened.

"All of you are here for one reason: to earn a spot in the NBA. It's not going to be easy. Even if you play well here, there's no guarantee you'll make it to the preseason. And even if you do, you might not make the final roster."

His words hit home for the players.

"But my team is different. I don't need you to put up flashy stats. When you get to the Rockets, that won't matter. What I need is for you to show me your skills and play to your strengths. I promise you this: if you impress me, I'll get you to the preseason, even if no one else in the league thinks you belong."

The players were surprised, and even Thibodeau seemed taken aback.

This was the first time he'd met a coach bold enough to make such a statement.

But it worked. After processing what Andrew had said, the players became eager to prove themselves.

In most summer leagues, the ball is dominated by the guards, with everyone fighting to pad their stats. But Andrew's approach was different, and the players were excited to show what they could do.

Seeing their energy, Andrew didn't waste any more time. He got straight into training.

A week later, the Summer League officially began. Andrew kept his tactics simple. For offense, they focused on pick-and-roll plays. For defense, they worked on basic zone formations.

Though the tactics were straightforward, Andrew made sure they were well-practiced. Pick-and-roll plays involved both ball and non-ball movements, while defensive formations rotated between 2-3, 3-2, and 2-1-2 zones.

With Andrew's promise in mind, the players trained hard.

By the end of the week, while there wasn't perfect cohesion, the players had built some solid chemistry.

A week later, Andrew and Thibodeau took the team to Las Vegas for the Summer League.

Las Vegas, known as the "City of Gambling," is one of the most vibrant cities in the United States. It's a hub of wealth and luxury—a playground for the rich. This was why Andrew had established his strict rules about off-the-court distractions.

As the first Chinese coach in NBA history, Andrew's team garnered a lot of attention at the Summer League in Las Vegas.

When they arrived at the hotel, they were immediately swarmed by reporters, eager for a statement.

Naturally, their questions were all directed at Andrew.

"Andrew, there are rumors that you're the son of a Rockets executive. Is that true?"

"Andrew, are you the key to the Rockets re-signing Yao Ming?"

"Andrew, we heard you cut the team's most well-known player, Qyntel Woods. Are you prepared for a disastrous Summer League?"

The barrage of questions was overwhelming.

Andrew originally wanted to avoid responding, but with so many reporters crowding him, he had no choice but to stop.

"You don't have any standout players on your team. Do you think you'll even win a game?" one reporter asked, standing out with a more reasonable question.

"We're going to win the championship," Andrew replied simply.

His confident answer caused an uproar among the reporters.

In their eyes, Andrew's team was made up of two 6'0" guards, two second-round picks, and a bunch of fringe players. Winning even one game would be an achievement, let alone winning the whole thing!

Taking advantage of the reporters' shock, Andrew and Thibodeau quickly made their way into the hotel.

"It's the first time I've seen such a big media presence for a Summer League team," Thibodeau said as they walked inside. "You're under a lot of pressure, Andrew."

"Am I? I don't feel any pressure at all," Andrew said with a smile.

Thibodeau looked at Andrew in disbelief. Although he admired Andrew's confidence, he couldn't understand where it came from, especially with Andrew boldly predicting a championship.

"Let's put our bags down and grab something to eat. I'm starving," Andrew said, patting Thibodeau's shoulder.

Thibodeau just shook his head, choosing to stay quiet.

As Andrew was about to head out after settling into his room, his phone rang.

He checked the caller ID—it was his cousin, Hathaway.

Hathaway had called several times lately, showing how much she cared.

"Andrew, I heard from someone at the Chinese medicine store that you don't work there anymore. What's going on?" Hathaway's concerned voice came through the phone.

"Oh, I switched jobs. I'm a basketball coach now. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner," Andrew said, apologetically.

"A basketball coach? Since when? Where are you right now?"

"I'm in Las Vegas. We have a game tomorrow," Andrew said, noticing Thibodeau waiting for him. He gestured for him to hang on for a moment.

"You're in Las Vegas?!" Hathaway's voice rang loudly through the phone.

Andrew held the phone away from his ear for a second. "Yes, I am."

"Where are you staying? I'll come pick you up," she said quickly.

"You're in Las Vegas too?" Andrew paused in surprise.